# Less

By Andrew Sean Greer · The Arthur Less Books, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/less-ceaf518b/

Arthur Less would prefer almost any literary engagement to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. With fifty approaching and his writing career offering little reassurance, he accepts invitations around the world and turns a scheduling excuse into an extended journey. Distance proves easier to arrange than peace of mind.

## What makes it funny?

In the opening excerpt, Arthur anxiously watches a hotel clock that stopped years ago. His escort is in the same lobby looking for him, but she believes the novelist she is collecting is a woman. He trusts the arrangements; she trusts her reading of his book. Neither notices the person they need.

### The comedy at work

The narrator gives readers the explanation Arthur lacks, letting us watch his dignity collide with a fairly ordinary misunderstanding. Publishers Weekly also notes the irony around his literary standing: a writer who feels permanently second-rate still matters to people more than he understands.

### Try this if…

Book-group readers recommend its wit and charm. Readers who enjoy writers’ vanities, travel mishaps and a sympathetic portrait of someone failing to feel successful have several reasons to follow Arthur abroad. The comedy makes room for romantic hurt and anxiety about aging.

### Good to know

Less won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Its love story draws on Arthur’s past relationships as well as his attempt to escape an awkward wedding. Less Is Lost continues his story.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- Kind of humor: Dry wit · Satire · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2017

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780316316125)
- Reading sample: [Opening excerpt](https://www.bookbrowse.com/excerpts/index.cfm/book_number/3626/less)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/andrew-sean-greer/less-winner-of-the-pulitzer-prize/9780316316149)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/10068768689864520)
- Publisher: [Publisher series guide](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/series/andrew-sean-greer/the-arthur-less-books)
- Author commentary: [Author description](https://andrewgreer.com/less)